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Steve Harvey Gets the Last Laugh

Actor, comedian, host, and philanthropist Steve Harvey is known for his ability to make people laugh—and for his bestselling dating bible Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, whose movie version was released this past spring and debuted at the top of the box office charts. Ahead of his September 10 daytime talk show premiere, Harvey dished on his big week in Vegas August 2 to 5, the heart behind the Hoodie Awards, and his stand-up swan song.

You’re in Las Vegas every year for the Hoodie Awards, which recognizes community leaders from across the country. What do you love most about the city?
Everything is done on a big scale in Las Vegas—big shows, beautiful clothes, different-themed hotels. I love to stay at Sky Lofts at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino—the fact that they pick you up in a Rolls- Royce always makes me feel special. I also love to smoke cigars and play golf at the TPC Las Vegas golf course.

Why did you choose Vegas as your last stand-up date location before moving into daytime television?
Las Vegas is big, and I feel that my final show is a big event. It is one of the ultimate cities to perform in, and I wanted to take this chance to go out on top.

Is this really your last show?
Stand-up is my first love. But with my other obligations, the new daytime show, Family Feud, my mentoring camps, and my radio show, I still need to make time for my family, and that’s why I’ve decided to retire from stand-up after 27 years of comedy.

It will air on Pay-Per-View, too. Are you feeling any pressure?
My stand-up comedy is based off of my personal experiences. Relationships, families, and raising children are all things that I know a lot about. Vegas audiences are used to seeing top-of-the-line performances, but I don’t feel a lot of pressure, because this is 100 percent me.

Tell us about the Hoodie Awards, which you created nine years ago.
We honor men and women from cities across the country, with 12 categories recognizing businesses, entrepreneurs, teachers, neighborhood leaders. I want to give everyday people the same feeling I get walking onstage.